Orgyia Tussock Moth (Caterpillar)

Description:

Tussock moth caterpillar with orange head, grayish antennae, 4 yellow tufts at the back that look like toothbrush bristles, 2 pairs of white tufts near the head, yellow body with brownish stripe running in the middle, 2 red knobs near the tail, and brownish tail. Lymantriidae (Hampson, 1893) (Superfamily Noctuoidea) is a family of moths. Many of its component species are referred to as "Tussock moths" of one sort or another. The caterpillar, or larval, stage of these species often has a distinctive appearance of alternating bristles and haired projections. Like other families of moths, many Tussock Moth caterpillars have urticating hairs (often hidden among longer, softer hairs) which can cause painful reactions if they come into contact with skin.

Habitat:

Spotted in a miniature holly plant. Backyard garden in Biñan Laguna, Philippines.

Notes:

Reference: ftp://ftp.funet.fi/pub/sci/bio/life/insecta/lepidoptera/ditrysia/noctuoidea/lymantriidae/orgyia/index.html.